Common Sense Ohio

Latest Episodes:

Are Our Rights From God or Government? Real Talk on Ohio Law and Modern Justice May 20, 2026

Show notes

250 Years of the Declaration

Norm Murdock and Steve Palmer led off this week, reflecting on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, with a timely reminder about where Americans’ rights derive. As Norm Murdock noted at 02:04:

“A lot of people think the US really began with our Constitution. It did not. The 250th anniversary of the United States is keyed off the Declaration of Independence.”

Steve Palmer emphasized the critical difference between rights that come from government (which can be taken away) and rights that come from the Creator (which government exists only to protect) at 04:16:

“If the government created your rights, then the government can take them away.”

Cuba’s Independence Day

On May 20th, Cubans (especially those in the U.S.) honor their independence from Spain, a moment rooted in U.S. history following the Spanish-American War.

But, as Norm Murdock explained at 01:30, Cuba’s current government does not officially recognize this date—reminding us how history’s meaning can shift with political tides.

Mangione, Free Speech & Modern Dangers

A major segment focused on the Mangione assassination case and the disturbing trend of justifying violence for political or moral causes.

Steve Palmer broke down the legal technicalities at 25:17, including why crucial evidence was excluded due to police search procedures—a real-world lesson in the powers and limits of the exclusionary rule:

“If the police conduct an unlawful search or seizure... the penalty for that is that the state cannot use the evidence seized in a case against the suspect.”

They connected these legal questions to broader concerns about political violence, groupthink, and historical amnesia regarding free speech and individual rights.

True Crime: The Mackenzie Shurilla Case

Norm Murdock spotlighted the Netflix documentary “The Crash” about Ohio’s own Mackenzie Shurilla case:

A 17-year-old who drove into a building at 100mph, killing two friends, was tried as an adult. Was it murder… or a failed suicide?

Steve Palmer cautioned at 45:47 against quick judgments and reminded listeners of the reason juvenile protections exist in law:

“It is an enormous decision to take a kid from juvenile court and move them to adult court and treat them with adult penalties.”

Winners, Losers & Local Gripe

Winners:

D.C. residents and visitors, with beautification projects, fountain repairs, and even a free IndyCar race coming up!
Steve Palmer honored his colleague Troy’s graduation from Capital University Law School.

Losers:

Politicians opposing Trump in primaries—feeling the power of endorsements firsthand.
The "Mangionettes," protesters justifying political violence.

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Moments

00:00 Discussing the origin of rights

06:18 Advancement of human rights

10:55 Discussing radical protest movements

16:01 Free speech concerns in England

24:31 Exceptions to the Fourth Amendment

27:37 Police arrest and wingspan search

34:40 Judicial perspective on search warrants

37:38 Challenges faced by police officers

42:46 Judge sentences woman for deaths

47:59 Parental influences and mistakes

54:49 Discussion on trial strategy

01:00:24 Discussion on Trump's Influence

01:06:04 Building a White House bunker

01:08:21 Acknowledging those who came before

Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.

info@commonsenseohioshow.com

Stephen Palmer is the Managing Partner for the law firm, Palmer Legal Defense. He has specialized almost exclusively in criminal defense for over 26 years. Steve is also a partner in Criminal Defense Consultants, a firm focused wholly on helping criminal defense attorneys design winning strategies for their clients.

Norm Murdock is an automobile racing driver and owner of a high-performance and restoration car parts company. He earned undergraduate degrees in literature and journalism and graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1985. He worked in the IT industry for two years before launching a career in government relations in Columbus, Ohio. Norm has assisted clients in the Transportation, Education, Healthcare, and Public Infrastructure sectors.

Ohio’s Primary Day and Supreme Court Impact May 05, 2026

Show notes

This Day in Ohio History

Did you know the first-ever U.S. train robbery happened right here in North Bend, Ohio, on May 5, 1865? Steve digs into the story: 15-20 former Civil War bandits reportedly used an ax and gunpowder to rob passengers and safes, kicking off a Wild West tradition in the Buckeye state. 01:16

News & Culture: What’s Going On?

White House Correspondents Dinner Incident: Norm breaks down the recent security event in D.C., involving a gunman and the Secret Service, with reminders of the violent rhetoric and normalization of violence in today’s discourse. 03:49
The Culture of Violence: Both Steve and Norm reflect on the disturbing trend of justifying violence for political or social causes, warning about chilling free speech and the dangers of becoming numb to basic moral boundaries. 05:40

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Supreme Court & Redistricting: A Turning Point

New Direction in Gerrymandering: The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 against forming voting districts based expressly on race, saying it’s unconstitutional. Steve and Norm discuss potential impacts—noting that race-based gerrymandering is out, but clever political maneuvering isn’t going away any time soon. 18:30
Merit Over Identity: The hosts debate affirmative action, policies, and the importance of judging people on accomplishment, not gender or skin color—sharing anecdotes from the military, law, and real life.

Ohio Primary Day: Did You Vote?

Big offices are at stake: Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Supreme Court justices, and more. Don’t let other people make your choices for you!

“If you complain on social media about lousy government, you gotta go vote!” 49:13

The Good, The Bad, The Ohioan

Personal Milestones: Graduation season is on! Congratulations to Steve’s son, all new graduates, and Norm for finishing law school and prepping for the Ohio Bar. 01:00:25

Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.

info@commonsenseohioshow.com

🎙️ Full transcript & key moments:

https://app.castmagic.io/share/8hd0SIDgCyHpgQih

Ohio Property Taxes, Failed Raids, and Political Corruption Apr 24, 2026

Show notes

1. Introduction and Operation Eagle Claw

Reference to current events and news
Discussion of "Operation Eagle Claw" (Iran Hostage Rescue Attempt) 00:27
Context: Iran hostage crisis, failed Carter rescue, and related mishaps (planes blowing up, helicopters crashing) 00:55
Mention of Delta Force's first use 01:14

2. Historical Context of Iran

U.S. relationship with Iran since the 1979 revolution 01:39
Changes in Iranian society post-revolution (role of women, implementation of Sharia law) 01:57
Recent human rights abuses (executions, rape of female protesters) 02:19
Critique of lack of response from Western women's groups and liberals 03:24

3. Western Values and Moral Concepts

Moral foundation of Western society: Ten Commandments 04:19
Comparison of Western criminal law and its protections (due process, executions) 04:38
Explanation of "malum in se" vs. "malum prohibitum" crimes 05:13
The universality of certain moral taboos (rape, murder) 06:08

4. Revolutionary War Reflections: George Washington’s Leadership

Historical struggles of the American revolutionaries 06:21
Washington's strategic retreats during the war 07:57
Washington’s early military experience and later presidency 08:17
Analysis of Washington's humility and ego (refusal to seize or retain power) 09:46
Importance of command decisions and the ability to retreat 10:16
Baron von Steuben’s impact at Valley Forge 10:29

5. Delta Force, Special Forces, and Military Training

Discussion of Delta Force origins and movie pop-culture portrayals 11:33
Recruitment and training of Special Forces (Green Berets, Rangers) 12:23
Language training, regional assignments for Special Forces 12:46
Specifics of Ranger school, Rasp, and misconceptions from Hollywood movies 13:14

6. Hangar 18 and Recent Legal/Political Controversies

Mention of Hangar 18 (not deeply explored) and move to politics 15:18
Southern Poverty Law Center accused of funding hate groups to stoke racial tensions during Charlottesville riots 15:34
Issues of donor disclosure and possible fraud 17:08
Historic context of anti-racism and criticisms of "inventing" racial hatred for fundraising 19:52
Description of the self-preserving nature of advocacy organizations and government agencies 22:20

7. Philosophical Underpinnings: Hobbes vs. Locke

Human self-interest as foundational to Western economic and political thought 23:11
Hobbes’ and Locke’s perspectives on government and human nature 23:37
Locke’s influence on American government as opposed to Hobbes’ authoritarianism 24:49

8. Ilhan Omar’s Financial Disclosures and Media Bias

Discrepancies in Rep. Ilhan Omar’s financial filings ($30M to $100k) 25:09
Observations about media reluctance to investigate "protected" politicians 26:01
Comparison with average Americans’ tax errors 26:41

9. Government Involvement in Private Business

Trump’s proposal to bail out Spirit Airlines, government ownership 27:53
Biden’s earlier block of Spirit-Southwest merger 29:02
Debate on government’s role in private market interventions (Honda incentives, Tesla/government subsidies) 31:26

10. Ohio Supreme Court: Submetering Decision

Submetering of utilities in apartment buildings and Public Utilities Commission’s regulatory powers 34:03
Implications for tenants/landlords and discussion of accountability in utilities consumption 36:07

11. Ohio Property Tax Abolishment Effort

Axe Ohio Tax group’s petition and property tax ballot initiative 38:19
Anticipated impacts on schools, police, fire departments, and budgetary shifts 39:18
Comparisons with Florida’s tax structure 40:08
Personal experiences with property tax assessment disputes 41:09

12. Ohio Gubernatorial Election Ballot Issue

Unique Ohio law: loss of candidacy if the running mate leaves ticket 42:11
Example: Heather Hill’s votes disqualified due to running mate’s resignation 43:00

13. Virginia Redistricting Controversy

Redistricting process, court challenge, partisan implications 44:15
Potential for the Supreme Court to reverse and impacts on congressional representation 46:05
Commentary on political hypocrisy in redistricting stance 48:03

14. Winners and Losers of the Week

"Loser": Army soldier arrested for illegal betting using inside info 49:05
"Winner": Trump’s Most Favored Nation policy lowering U.S. drug prices 50:23
Anecdotes about prescription drug tourism 51:52
"Winner": Podcast contributor Troy passes law school and MPRE 53:05
Recognition of human redemption through expungement work 54:06
Difficulties of professional license restoration after convictions 55:09

15. Concerns about Marxism and Political Extremism

Critique of social media influencers promoting Marxism and radical ideas 56:51
Warnings about the direction of the Democratic Party and rise of extreme left-wing thought 57:51
Analogies to historic extremists and the dangers of legitimizing radical voices 58:22

Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

info@commonsenseohioshow.com

High Stakes in Ohio: Property Taxes, Data Centers, and War Debates Apr 16, 2026

Show notes

Welcome back to Common Sense Ohio, where we bring clarity to the chaos and a dose of grounded perspective straight from the Buckeye State. On this April 16, 2026 episode, Steve Palmer kicks things off with a look back at Ohio’s unique place in history—from the Cleveland Indians’ game-changing decision to add numbers to their jerseys in 1929, to a poetic lament about tax season set to the tune of the Beatles' "Taxman."

Today, the conversation winds through the historic and the current, tackling everything from the global oil market’s shifting sands amid Middle East blockades to the Supreme Court’s wrestling match with birthright citizenship and the finer points of the 14th Amendment. Steve Palmer and the team take on the tangled relationships between religion and government, the perennial struggles over property taxes, and Ohio’s battle over data centers and legislative responsibility.

It's not all policy and punditry, though—stay tuned for sharp takes on government-run grocery stores, reflections on the legacy of abuse scandals at Ohio State, and even a nod to AC/DC’s upcoming tour stop in Columbus. The team wraps with their weekly “winners and losers,” sharing everything from space travel pride to pop culture facepalms. It’s a fast-paced ride through history, headlines, and heartland values—let’s get started.

Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy®, is an award-winning podcast consultant and small business owner for nearly 10 years, leaving a long career in radio. He is passionate about helping small businesses tell their story through podcasts, and he believes podcasting is a great opportunity for different voices to speak and be heard.

Kings, Crowns, and Free Speech Apr 01, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to Common Sense Ohio, where rivers run backwards, day is night, and the unexpected is just part of the landscape.

It's April Fool's, after all!

Hosts Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock, joined by guest Troy, dive into a whirlwind of current events, hard-hitting legal analysis, and local Ohio news, all with their signature common-sense edge.

This episode explores the history and quirks of April Fools' Day, then transitions to a breakdown of significant Supreme Court cases, including challenges to birthright citizenship and a major free speech decision from Colorado. Our hosts debate constitutional intent, explore the evolution of common law, and probe the shifting stance of organizations like the ACLU.

They also examine Ohio's new legislation banning intoxicating hemp products, discuss federal-local law enforcement partnerships, and highlight the role of protests and democracy in our society.

Wrapping up with winners and losers of the week, reflections on faith, and a glimpse into Ohio’s sports scene, this episode is a lively, thought-provoking mix of the absurd, the serious, and the surprisingly uplifting.

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Key Takeaways:

Free Speech Still Reigns Supreme
History Shapes Today’s Legal Landscape
America’s Role in Innovation and Security

Secret NDAs and JobsOhio Controversy Mar 25, 2026

Show notes

Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock get into a wide range of hot-button issues shaping Ohio and the nation.

From a fascinating look at Dave Thomas’ legacy as an adoption advocate and the roots of Wendy’s in Columbus, to a deep discussion about the recent chaos at airports and the politics behind funding TSA and Homeland Security, the conversation is as timely as it is insightful.

The hosts also explore the country’s Judeo-Christian foundations through Revolutionary War history, dig into the heated debate over the SAVE Act and voter identification, and break down the controversy surrounding secret NDAs and massive tax incentives fueling the data center boom in Ohio.

Plus, they cover big news in tech law with a $375 million verdict against Meta for child endangerment, take on the latest in the Iran conflict, and spotlight the Columbus Blue Jackets’ surprising playoff surge.

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Moments

00:00 "Dave Thomas: Adoption Advocate"

05:00 Biblical Roots of U.S. Founding

08:16 Defunding DHS: A Divisive Debate

11:52 Democrats' Minneapolis Win Uncertain

14:31 "Short-Term vs Long-Term Strategy"

18:14 Free Citizen ID for Voting

19:41 "Unregistered Births on Reservations"

24:25 "Iranian Conflict: No End Ahead"

27:01 Meta Faces Landmark Liability Case

32:03 "JobsOhio's Secretive Funding Explained"

36:14 Land Buyouts Reshape New Albany

39:05 "Local Betrayal Over Intel Deal"

40:29 Supreme Court Debate on Ballots

45:15 "Brave Pilots in Collision"

49:44 "Protester Deaths, J6 & Impact"

50:43 "Weekly Common Sense Recap"

Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.

info@commonsenseohioshow.com

Voting Rights, Government Power, and Afro Man’s Court Win Mar 20, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of Common Sense Ohio, hosts Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock take listeners on a lively ride through both history and hot-button issues facing Ohio and the nation.

The show kicks off with some fascinating "this day in history" moments, from Elvis Presley's $1,000 down payment on Graceland to George Washington’s strategic triumph over the British in Boston. Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock reflect on simpler times, the complexity of historic figures, and draw surprising connections to today's world.

The conversation shifts to the rapidly changing international climate, with in-depth analysis of current tensions in the Middle East, debates over national defense funding, and the political fallout from controversial decisions in Congress. The hosts don’t shy away from tough questions—whether it’s the justification behind conflict with Iran, national security concerns at the border, or the demands placed on the Department of Homeland Security.

Closer to home, the episode covers the political quagmire around voter ID laws and election reform, pulls back the curtain on Ohio’s JobsOhio controversy, and celebrates a small-town legal victory where civil liberties prevailed in a comedic case involving rapper Afro Man.

Throughout, Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock bring a sharp mix of historical perspective, constitutional insight, and relatable local stories—reminding us all why common sense still matters most in the Buckeye State.

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Moments

00:00 Washington Forces British From Boston

08:24 Straits of Hormuz Tensions

13:44 "Joe Kent's Resignation Fallout"

16:23 "Iran's Hostility Toward America"

26:15 ID Rules and Constitutional Debate

30:03 EPA Climate Rollback Sparks Lawsuit

35:09 "Iran: War, Oppression, and Resistance"

39:48 "Afro Man's Lemon Pound Cake Lawsuit"

46:19 "Probable Cause and Search Warrants"

52:58 "Good Intentions Sustain Governance"

54:14 "Controversy Over JobsOhio Corporation"

59:06 Contract Secrecy Sparks Ohio Backlash

01:05:07 "Tyranny of Moral Busybodies"

Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.

info@commonsenseohioshow.com

War Powers, History Lessons, and Ohio's Data Center Dilemma Mar 11, 2026

Show notes

Welcome back to Common Sense Ohio! In this episode, Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock dive into the whirlwind of current events, offering their signature blend of historical perspective, common sense, and candid conversation. Kicking things off with reflections on March 11th in history, they discuss the legacy of the Lend-Lease Act and how America’s reluctant involvement in global affairs resonates in today’s headlines.

From there, the conversation pivots to the complexities of presidential war powers, the ongoing tensions with Iran, and the challenging realities of nuclear proliferation. Norm Murdock brings in deep dives on military history, while Steve Palmer unpacks what happens when American leadership faces tough choices on the world stage.

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Back on the home front, the hosts don’t hold back as they critique Ohio’s political landscape, including Governor DeWine’s recent State of the State address, the implications of new data centers, and the everyday frustrations of Ohio commuters. As always, they close with a look at the good and the bad in the week—mixing national security, leadership, sacrifice, and a dash of pop culture.

So, whether you’re looking for thoughtful analysis, a dash of history, or just a little honest talk about what’s going on in the Buckeye State and beyond, you’re in the right place. Hit play and get your weekly dose of Common Sense Ohio!

00:00 Passenger Ships as War Targets

06:30 Washington's Commander Guard Origins

14:35 War Powers and Constitutional Debate

20:52 "Questioning Government Power Levers"

21:46 "Elections Shape Power Dynamics"

27:43 Middle East Conflict and Tensions

33:46 Sacrifice and Lost Patriotism

39:05 "Cluelessness and Global Threats"

45:23 "Construction Work and Moral Responsibility"

51:44 Deeper Meaning of Ten Commandments

56:55 Government Overreach and Parenting Critique

01:01:11 "Saluting Modern-Day Heroes"

Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.

info@commonsenseohioshow.com

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

A Big Thanks to our sponsor, Harper Plus Accounting. They provide more than just basic transactions, offering expert business consultation as well. They go beyond the basics, providing comprehensive advice on saving, planning, and optimizing taxes.

From State Taxes to State of the Union Feb 25, 2026

Show notes

Welcome back to Common Sense Ohio! In this week’s episode, Steve Palmer, Norm Murdock, and the crew jump right into the thick of things—discussing the State of the Union (yes, Trump gave quite the speech), the ongoing drama within the Ohio Republican Party, and, of course, the Olympics making headlines for all kinds of reasons.

The conversation kicks off with a bit of history—think Muhammad Ali’s upset victory and the origins of income tax—before spiraling into today’s hot topics. You’ll hear some pretty candid (and funny) rants on everything from government spending to why letting kids fail might actually make us all stronger.

The guys dig into why it’s so hard for folks on either side of the aisle to just admit when the other side does something good, and how that stubbornness is playing out everywhere—from Congress to local politics.

Plus, as always, there’s talk of big Ohio issues (looking at you, data centers), thoughts on partisan hypocrisy, a little legal advice about fighting parking tickets, and even a shout-out to the American hockey team and what makes this country so unique.

Whether you’re here for the politics, the history, or just to get a few laughs, this episode has a bit of everything. Pull up a chair, get comfortable, and join us for another round of unfiltered, common sense conversation!

Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.

info@commonsenseohioshow.com

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

SAVE Act Stumbles While Ohio Argues About Everything—As Usual Feb 11, 2026

Show notes

Election Integrity, Ohio News, and Super Bowl Culture: Highlights from the Latest Common Sense Ohio

On the latest episode of Common Sense Ohio, Steve and Norm look into timely topics shaping both the Buckeye state and the nation. From voter ID debate to Super Bowl halftime controversy, and even local law enforcement updates, there’s plenty for thought leaders and Ohio enthusiasts to chew on.

Here are three key takeaways from the discussion:

The SAVE Act & Election Integrity:

The push for a federal voter ID law is heating up. While Ohio already requires ID at the polls, the proposed SAVE Act would apply voter ID nationally, sparking constitutional debates about the balance of federal vs. state authority in running elections.

Both Republican and Democrat voters reportedly support voter ID in high numbers—pointing to bipartisan concerns about election security.

Economic & Regulatory Impact:

From new EPA rulemakings impacting auto and trucking prices, to the boom in Ohio data centers driving up local taxes and impacting rural life, legislation and regulatory action continue to have big ripple effects. The debate around balancing economic growth, environmental policy, and protecting local communities is front and center.

Culture & Division in Public Spaces:

Whether it’s reactions to the Super Bowl halftime show or stories of political confrontation in everyday settings, Steve and Norm explore how identity politics and culture wars are spilling into spaces meant for shared celebration. Their call? Let’s bring back more unity—and healthy debate—into these communal moments.

They also touch on school choice battles, the importance of government fraud enforcement, and personal stories from Ohio history, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in policy, culture, or just a dose of common sense.

Catch the episode for more insights, and if you’re passionate about these issues, chime in with your perspective—let’s keep the conversation going!

Moments

00:00 "Eerie Parallels to Reagan Era"

05:16 Georgia's Role in American Revolution

12:47 "State vs. Federal Voting Control"

17:33 "Election Integrity and Population Shifts"

25:15 EPA Greenhouse Gas Rule Challenge

26:33 "Critique of Government Overreach"

33:47 Cartels, Missiles, and Border Tensions

39:44 Ohio School Choice Legal Challenge

44:10 Miranda Rights and Custody Explained

49:36 Pulled Over in New Mexico